I'm personally not going to any massive parties that involve lots of people, but what ever you enjoy doing I'm sure that you will find someone else who thinks in the same way, I would certainly not reconmend parting all year round as mainly most would not have the money to do this but partying occasionally, more regularly for some than others, is probably the best way to go for most. I'm going Surrey in September as well but I am certainly no treating the first year any less seriously than the others, the information you learn may become important for further years and plus it gets you to learn how to work best and get into a routine which is comfortable and effective for you but at the end of the day it is up to the individual and what ever way you decide to live your life at Surrey, like I said before, you will find someone who feels the same way.